During the mid-1800s, the cowpox virus was used in order immunize people from contracting smallpox. Many people avoided the use, however, because they were afraid it would turn them into cows.

During the late 19th century and early 20th century, sentiment in opposition to vaccinations peaked due to unregulated injections that at times were ineffective or could cause infections do to improper sterilization.

By the 1950s, the country had switched sides as the polio epidemic caused 15,000 cases of paralysis every year, the newspaper reported. In 1955, a vaccination for the disease was released.

While numerous studies since have demonstrated a lack of a connection between autism and shots, many remain insistent in exempting their children from receiving the injections and promoting others to do so as well.

With memories of diseases like polio and measles fading, there has been push to remove exemptions available to parents to opt out of the required immunizations. This includes even religious reasons, such as those suggested earlier this year in North Carolina, initiated following the measles outbreak in Disneyland last year, WRAL reported.

For some, medical exemptions from immunizations remain important to the individual’s health.

According to KXNews, Dax Hjelmstad in North Dakota had seizures within two days after receiving his first dose of the MMR vaccination five years ago. The seizures lasted up to one hour, and doctors had to revive the boy three times.

His mom decided to no longer give her son vaccinations and the doctor agreed, according to the television station. Hjelmstad has been free of seizures for the past three years.

Andrew Wakefield released a report demonstrating a link between autism and vaccinations in the 1990s, but he was not the first to express uneasiness over immunizations. In fact, skepticism of vaccinations can be traced almost back to when they were first created.

PLEASE NOTE: All information presented on Newsmax.com is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical advice for any individual. All answers to reader questions are provided for informational purposes only. All information presented on our websites should not be construed as medical consultation or instruction. You should take no action solely on the basis of this publication’s contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. While the information found on our websites is believed to be sensible and accurate based on the author’s best judgment, readers who fail to seek counsel from appropriate health professionals assume risk of any potential ill effects. The opinions expressed in Newsmaxhealth.com and Newsmax.com do not necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media. Please note that this advice is generic and not specific to any individual. You should consult with your doctor before undertaking any medical or nutritional course of action.